ABSTRACT
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the prevalent health problems in tropical and subtropical areas including Iran. Therefore, it is essential to identify the prevalence and new foci of this disease in different regions of Iran. This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis by active case finding in elementary schools in Pakdasht city, Southeast of Tehran, Iran 2013-2014. This cross sectional study was carried out on 4800 students from 60 elementary schools in Pakdasht during October 2013 to March 2014. After examining the students, some epidemiological data such as age, gender, date, anatomic location of the lesion[s] in the body, number and size of lesion[s], lesion type, and travel history to endemic areas was recorded in a checklist. Students with active lesions were examined using parasitological and molecular methods [PCR]. Totally, 31 students [0.64%] had leishmaniasis, of which 15 [0.31%, 95% CI, 0.15%, 0.47%] had active lesions and 16 [0.33%, 95% CI, 0.17%, 0.49%] had leishmaniasis scars. Molecular testing showed that Leishmania major was the causative agent of leishmaniasis in all patients with active lesion. The highest frequency of cutaneous leishmaniasis was found in the age group 10-12 years [P=0.03]. There was a significant difference between the frequency of the disease in different months [P=0.04] and the anatomic location of the lesion/scar [P=0.04]. Moreover, t-test revealed that there was a significant relationship between number of lesions/scars and the age group [P<0.001]. The leishmanial type diagnosed in all patients was L. major. This finding suggests that Pakdasht might be a new focus for zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis
ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate Phlebotomus sand fly fauna and their vectorial capacity in Hamadan, Iran. Methods: During the three consecutive years (2010-2012), from May to October, sandflies were sampled monthly from residential areas of Hamadan and selected villages using sticky traps. Results: A total of 3 089 sandflies comprising 12 species from 2 genera were collected, of which 6 species are known vectors of leishmaniasis in Iran and/or other parts of the world. About 75% of the collected sandflies were of two dominant species, Phlebotomus kandelaki (38%) and Phlebotomus papatasi (36.6%). These species in combination with Phlebotomus major (6.8%), Phlebotomus sergenti (6.3%), Phlebotomus caucasicus (5.3%), Phlebotomus wenyoni (1.3%), Sergentomyia sintoni (2.9%) and Sergentomyia dentate (2%) collectively comprised the majority of the sandflies. Other species including Phlebotomus halpensis, Phlebotomus longiductus, Phlebotomus comatus and Phlebotomus alexandri each comprised only less than 1% of collected samples. Conclusions: Although none of the 158 dissected female Phlebotomus kandelaki and Phlebotomus papatasi were infected with leishmania promastigote, it is probable that in the future, factors such as environmental changes, migration and urbanization can ease the transmission of leishmaniases in this area.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate Phlebotomus sand fly fauna and their vectorial capacity in Hamadan, Iran.@*METHODS@#During the three consecutive years (2010-2012), from May to October, sandflies were sampled monthly from residential areas of Hamadan and selected villages using sticky traps.@*RESULTS@#A total of 3 089 sandflies comprising 12 species from 2 genera were collected, of which 6 species are known vectors of leishmaniasis in Iran and/or other parts of the world. About 75% of the collected sandflies were of two dominant species, Phlebotomus kandelaki (38%) and Phlebotomus papatasi (36.6%). These species in combination with Phlebotomus major (6.8%), Phlebotomus sergenti (6.3%), Phlebotomus caucasicus (5.3%), Phlebotomus wenyoni (1.3%), Sergentomyia sintoni (2.9%) and Sergentomyia dentate (2%) collectively comprised the majority of the sandflies. Other species including Phlebotomus halpensis, Phlebotomus longiductus, Phlebotomus comatus and Phlebotomus alexandri each comprised only less than 1% of collected samples.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Although none of the 158 dissected female Phlebotomus kandelaki and Phlebotomus papatasi were infected with leishmania promastigote, it is probable that in the future, factors such as environmental changes, migration and urbanization can ease the transmission of leishmaniases in this area.